The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) has elected a new President for 2020 & 2021.

TU Dublin's current Head of the School of Transport Engineering, Environment and Planning, Dr Conor Norton MIPI will take on the position with 25 years' experience in the private and public sectors in Ireland and abroad as a professional planner and urban designer.

As a consultant Dr Norton has prepared and contributed to national policy and best practice for local area planning, flood risk management, urban roads and streets and unfinished residential developments. He has extensive project experience in plan-making, in particular, local area plans, SDZs, urban framework plans and urban design guidance. His PhD investigated the impact of urban form on the sustainability of urban centres and his current research areas span green infrastructure, planning for renewable energy and marine spatial planning. Dr Norton is a corporate member and served as Vice President of the Irish Planning Institute for 2018 and 2019 and was formerly chair of RTPI Ireland in 2015.

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Commenting on his election Dr Norton said: "It is a great honour to be elected President of the Irish Planning Institute at such a crucial time for Planning. The Planning Profession is at an exciting cross roads following a period of unprecedented change and policy development. Following the publication of the National Planning Framework, the draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, the spotlight is now falling on our Local Authorities charged with publishing their six year statutory Development Plans. The Irish Planning Institute has always acknowledged that sustainable development and better outcomes for communities is dependent on strong and effective Plan Making that meaningfully engages with the public and other key stakeholders."

He added: "Recent changes in planning policy, planning legislation and environmental directives and the forthcoming National Marine Planning Framework have placed an increasing burden on Planners at all levels across the Planning System. During my Presidency the Institute will implement a comprehensive and robust programme for continued professional development of Planners working right across the Planning System to ensure they are equipped to meet the challenges of a new era in Planning."

Dr Norton will help the Institute lead the debate around a renewal of the planning system in Ireland and challenge how the system itself might function at local and regional level in 2030 and 2040.

The Irish Planning Institute draws its membership from across the Planning System and is uniquely positioned to champion better relations between all levels and actors in spatial planning in Ireland.

(CM/JG)